Wood Burning Returns

These are wood pieces that I had my hubby wood burn for me. I think he enjoyed it! It's something I did way back in the past and thought I'd try a few again with an updated look.

Some new Stuff

These little doodads turned out pretty cute. A big thanks goes out to sweet JoAnNa for her kindness and generosity. These items may not be recogniZble at first, but think about it. Those of you who know what I mean, well, you are the ones who know what I mean!!! We love you, niece-girl!
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood - a beautiful day for a neighbor- would you be mine?
And one fish, two fish, pink fish, blue fish.

I showed this piece to my husband and I got a BIG eyeroll...so I know it will be a winner! In fact, I went ahead and took my own advice and got these babies...
Now, I know that a new pair of shoes will not make me the person I've always wanted to become. There's only one thing that can do that and He's the one who knitted me together in my mother's womb and instilled in my genetic code my everlasting love of shoes...especially these purple ones.

"It may seem like Grand Central Station...but it's home to us. "

This would describe our home right about now. Actually, I'm not sure it adequately stresses the severity of the craziness. Summer vacation is wrapping up and I hear whispers of words beckoning me, "structure" & "routine". I will welcome it with open arms.

I just got done doing a series of music ladies. I think they turned out cool. They were inspired by my sister (aka cute, single girl). Although, I don't think she wears headphones this big, but I'm not sure. Anyways, music is as much a part of her as her curly hair. It's just who she is!

New Stuff.

Here's a couple of pieces that I made for our friends adoption party. I hope they will bless someone and in turn will bless our friends back! They were fun to make and were one of those projects that went so smoothly to make. The kids were cooperative and it they just churned out easily. You know God had a hand in that! I wish they all went that well! Not to mention at the end of the day, I stood back and said, "Wow, I actually really like that." (humbly, of course.)

Stop! Collaborate and Listen!

If you know what that title is from, then that really says something about you - but I won't say what. When the youngest member of "Things with Wings" was home from Austin, you know the sexy young single "thing?" Anyway, when she was home we decided to spend some quality art making time together making an extra special project for some friends who are in the process of adopting. They are creative people themselves and thought up a really cool way to raise awareness for adoption, specifically what's going on in Ethiopia, and raise some funds for their own adoption. They are having a fun night of food, music and art. Us girls have donated several of our individual pieces to be silent auctioned plus this collaborative piece that we had so much fun creating:

Jesus Loves the Little Children of the World!

ART for a good cause!

Here are 3 pieces of art that will be for sale on Friday evening July 25 at the Spot. It's a fund raiser for Ethiopia adoption. Our friends Dan and Shadley are in the adoption process and it is costly! Please come and support these great people in the wonderful thing they are doing!!! Lots of fun will be had AND there will be LOTS MORE FUNKY ART for sale where this came from. Look at it and you will want it. Buy it and you will be doing a good thing for God's kingdom.

A Work of Art

Here is the youngest member of our Like Mother Like Daughters group from Things with Wings and other Things. She is Emily, a singer/songwriter currently from Austin, TX. She was visiting us in her hometown of Iowa City, IA recently. She does not contribute to this blog, because she claims to not be an artist. But if you heard her sing, play guitar or piano, see her original compositions, you would know what we know - that this is what God made her to do. She is beautiful inside and out. A work of art. Working at her art. 27 and single. Anybody out there in blogland know a handsome young single man? He has to be a strong Christian and a wacky fun guy (not to be confused with fungi). Let us know. Since she's way down in TX, she can't strangle me. (or stop me). ha! Whoa, I'm gonna stop myself! That took a turn there. Anyway, yes, she is definitely an artist!!! Funky and fun. We love her and we miss her when she's away.

Grace Awakening

Us girls got together yesterday to create some canvases to be used in this Sunday's services at our church. Our pastor of Worship and the Arts, Scott will be continuing to speak on "Grace Awakening." We used natural colors and a simpler font for the first canvas to convey the idea that God's Common Grace is available for all people to enjoy - through nature, God's creation, music, art etc. We can all appreciate and enjoy common grace, whether we acknowledge where it's come from or not. In contrast is God's Saving Grace:
We used a bit bolder colors, more jewel-toned, and a fancier font. God's Saving Grace is revealed to us through the Word and through Jesus' life and death on the cross. I am so thankful for God's Saving Grace! I know I deserve punishment for my sins, but God, in his merciful power, sacrificed his Son instead. For MY sins and yours. His Saving Grace covered all my sins. I certainly didn't deserve that. And I certainly can't earn it or pay back what what was done for me. All I can do is accept the amazing gift of his Saving Grace.

Of course we had to add some of our signature look to it: